A recent field study conducted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) showed that Yemeni girls are persistently prevented from going to school because of ancient traditions that dictate that women must only get married, stay at home and care for their families.

A study of 300 families in Taiz province revealed a popular sentiment: “education delays… marriage”.

UNICEF is currently involved in a joint programme with the Ministry of Education in Yemen to encourage village girls to attend school and continue their education.